| Navarrenx
existed as a medieval bastide from the 14th century, but
during the 16th century Henri II d’Albret, grandfather of Henri IV was
faced
with the necessity of protecting his kingdom, the protestant
Béarn, from the
covetousness of the Catholics. He decided to fortify the town and appointed the architect Fabrici Siciliano, who had grown up in Navarrenx, to complete the work in his revolutionary Italian style. This became the first fortified town in France and the ramparts had barely been completed when they were put to the test during the wars of religion that ravaged the Béarn region. They successfully resisted attack during a three-month siege in 1569 and are still intact to this day. |
 |
Navarrenx sits on one of the main pilgrim routes
to Santiago de
Compostela and the pilgrims are a regular sight as they arrive to spend
the
night in the hostel or other accommodation within the town.
A
300m walk from the site
to a variety of shops,
bars and restaurants means a relaxing break with all necessities close at hand.
bars and restaurants means a relaxing break with all necessities close at hand.
